Railroad setoff apparatus



1959 w. H. MOORHEAD, JR, ET AL 3,443,529

RAILWAY SETOF'F APPARATUS Filed June 7, 1967 Sheet 3 I William h iw f ddlr BY W Cape/and, Jr

Af/armgy-s United States Patent 3,443,529 RAILROAD SETOFF APPARATUS William H. Moorhead, .Ir., and Henry W. Copeland, Jr.,

Montgomery, Ala., assignors to Kershaw Manufacturing Co., Inc., a corporation of Alabama Filed June 7, 1967, Ser. No. 644,379 Int. Cl. B61c 11/04; E01b 27/00 US. Cl. 105-177 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Railroad setolf apparatus having a main frame with auxiliary frames mounted for pivotal movement at opposite sides thereof and movable selectively to a first position alongside the main frame to a second position outwardly of the main frame. Actuating means connects the main frame to the auxiliary frames so that the main frame can support the auxiliary frame or the auxiliary frames can support the main frame. Movable supports are carried by the auxiliary frames for moving the apparatus transversely of the rails or longitudinally of the rails.

Background 0 the invention Heretofore in the art to which our invention relates, difficulties have been encountered in supporting working tools for railroad maintenance whereby the tools may be supported at selected elevations and at the same time include means for removing the apparatus from the rails. While portable apparatus has been devised for supporting such working tools, it is difficult to retain the apparatus and the working tool at accurate positions relative to the railroad track during the working operation. On the other hand, relatively large and heavy apparatus has been proposed for supporting working tools, such as adzing apparatus. However, it is very diflicult to remove such apparatus from the railroad track.

Brief summary of invention In accordance with our invention, we provide setoff apparatus for a rail supported vehicle wherein auxiliary frames are mounted at opposite sides of a main frame for pivotal movement selectively to a first position alongside the main frame and to a second position outwardly of the main frame. Actuating means is interposed between the auxiliary frames and the main frame to move the auxiliary frames and the main frame to selected vertical positions so that the main frame may support the auxiliary frames or the auxiliary frames may support the main frame. The auxiliary frames are supported by movable supports which are adapted to move the apparatus transversely of a railroad track or longitudinally of the railroad track during the working operation.

Apparatus embodying features of our invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the apparatus showing the auxiliary frames extending longitudinally of the railroad track in solid lines and transversely of the railroad track in dotted lines;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view showing the auxiliary frames moved to positions alongside the main frame with the end of the main frame that supports the auxiliary frames being supported by a vertically adjustable support member;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, drawn to a smaller scale, showing the main frame being supported by the auxiliary frames prior to being removed from a railroad track having both rails in place;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view corresponding to FIG. 4 showing the apparatus moving down a slight incline;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view corresponding to FIG. 5 but showing the apparatus moving down a relatively steep incline; and,

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view showing the apparatus supported by :wheels which are carried by the main frame whereby the apparatus is adapted for movement along the rails of a railroad track.

Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of our invention, we show a railroad track having crossties 10 and rails 11. In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 one rail is shown as being removed so that an adzing tool carried by the apparatus is adapted for adzing the crossties at the seats of the removed rail. In FIG. 7 of the drawings, the apparatus is shown as being supported for movement along a :pair of rails 11 whereby the apparatus may be moved from place to place.

The apparatus comprises a main frame 12 which is adapted to extend transversely of the rails 11, as shown. The main frame 12 is supported adjacent one end thereof by flanged wheels 13 which may be held at selected positions relative to the main frame by suitable means, such as fluid pressure operated cylinders 14. The other end of the main frame 12 carries flanged wheels 16 which are held at selected vertical positions relative to the main frame 12. Preferably, the wheels 16 are carried by upstanding members !17 having vertically spaced openings 18 therein. The members 17 are mounted for sliding movement in suitable brackets 19 and are secured to the brackets by retaining pins 21 which pass through suitable openings in the brackets 19 and the openings 18 whereby the flanged wheels 16 may be extended to the position shown in FIG. 7 for supporting the apparatus for movement along a pair of rails 11 or may be retracted to the position shown in FIG. 2 whereby the end of the main frame 12 carrying the wheels 16 is supported by auxiliary frames to be described hereinafter.

In the drawings, the main frame 12 is shown as carrying an adzing tool indicated generally at 22 which is adapted for rotation in a horizontal plane for adzing the crossties at the seats of the removed rail. In view of the fact that the adzing tool is of a conventional type, no further description thereof is deemed necessary.

Mounted for rotation in suitable bearings at each side of the main frame 12 are upper and lower horizontal shafts 23 and 24, respectively. Secured to the upper and lower shafts 23 and 24 are outwardly projecting, vertically spaced links 26 and 27 which extend parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 2. The outer ends of the links 26 and 27 are pivotally connected by pivot pins 28 and 29, respectively, to vertical support members 31. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the links 26 and 27 extend in a plane in alignment with the adzing tool 22 and directly over the portion of the crossties which carried the removed rail. Secured rigidly to each of the shafts 23 is a depending arm 32. As shown in FIG. 2 one depending arm 32 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 33' to a fluid pressure operated cylinder 34 while the other depending arm 32 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 36 to a piston rod 37 for the fluid pressure operated cylinder 34. Accordingly, upon retracting the piston rod 37, the arms 32 are moved inwardly to lower the outer ends of the arms 26 and 27. On the other hand, upon extending the piston rod 37, the outer ends of the arms 26 and 27 are elevated.

Projecting outwardly from the upper and lower ends of the vertical members 31 are stud members 38. Pivotally connected to the stud members 38 are inwardly extending brackets 39 carried by auxiliary frames indicated generally at 41. Since both of the auxiliary frames 41 are identical in structure, a description of one will suffice for both. Each auxiliary frame 41 carries downwardly extending, spaced apart support members 42. Pivotally connected to the lower end of each support member 42 by a pivot member 43 is a bogie 44 having a series of wheels 46 which are adapted to engage the inner surface of an end less, flexible crawler track 47. Preferably, a pair of parallel crawler tracks 47 are mounted over the wheels 46, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the crawler tracks 47 pass upwardly over a drive pulley 48 which is operatively connected to a driving motor 49 by a suitable drive indicated generally at 51. Idler pulleys 52 are mounted on each auxiliary frame 41 in position to engage the outer surface of the crawler track 47, as shown. One of the idler pulleys 52 is connected to a movable bracket 53 which rides in suitable guides in an elongated slot 54 provided in the auxiliary frames. The bracket 53 is operatively connected to a vertical threaded member 56 which passes through a transverse bracket 57 and is held in selected positions by a lock nut 58.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner ends of the bogies 44 are pivotally connected to the lower ends of shock absorbers 59. The upper ends of the shock absorbers 59 are pivotally connected to the auxiliary frame 41, as shown. The inner ends of the bogies 44 are detachably connected to each other by a releasable lock unit 61 which comprises a movable bar 62 which is mounted for sliding movement in a recess 63 provided in one end of one bogie. A similar recess 64 is provided in the adjacent end of the other bogie 44 for receiving the sliding bar 62 whereby the adjacent bogies may be detachably secured to each other. An outwardly projecting actuating pin 66 is carried by the sliding bar 61 and moved relative to an elongated slot 65 provided in the bogie, as shown. By providing the detachable latch member 61, the bogies 44 are secured to each other while the apparatus is being transported from place to place.

Detachably connected to a forward portion of the forwardmost auxiliary frame 41, as viewed in the direction of travel, by a suitable connection 67 is one end of a transverse frame 68. The other end of the frame 68 carries a double flanged wheel 69 which is adapted to ride along the rail 11 to thus guide movement of the forwardmost crawler track 47. A suitable brace 71 is secured to the transverse frame 68 and is detachably connected by a connection 72 to an outwardly projecting bracket 73 carried by the main frame 12. A similar outwardly projecting bracket 73 is carried by the opposite side of the main fame 12, as shown in FIG. 1, which is detachably connected by a connector 72 to one end of a brace 74. The other end of the brace 74 is detachably connected by a connector 76 to the rearmost auxiliary frame 41, as shown in FIG. 1. The connectors 67, 72 and 76 may be of a conventional ball type which detachably connect the parts to each other whereby they may be readily attached or removed. However, other suitable means may be employed for detachably connecting the elements to each other. The transverse frame 68 is also adapted for attachment to the other auxiliary frame 41 whereby the apparatus may be moved in either direction. That is, to move the apparatus in the opposite direction, the transverse frame is removed from its connector 67 and 72 and then replaces the brace members 74 at the opposite side of the frame 12 whereby it would then extend between the connector elements 72 and 67 to thus guide the auxiliary frame 41 adjacent thereto as it moves in the opposite direction along the rail.

As shown in FIG. 3, a rearwardly extending bracket 77 is provided on the main frame 12 in position to receive a vertical support member 78. That is, a suitable opening is provided in the bracket 77 for receiving the vertical support member 78 whereby the support member may be moved to selected positions. Suitable openings 79 are provided in the support member 78 and an opening 81 is provided in the bracket 77 for receiving a transverse pin 82 which retains the support member 78 in selected positions. The support member 78 is adapted to support the end of the main frame 12 which carries the adzing tool 22 while the auxiliary frames 41 are moved from a position outwardly of the main frame to a position alongside the main frame, as shown in FIG. 3. That is, since the support wheels 16 for the main frame are elevated and there is no rail 11 beneath the support wheels 16, the vertical support member 78 supports that end of the main frame 12 while the auxiliary frames 41 are moved selectively to a position alongside the main frame 12 and to a position outwardly of the main frame 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main frame v12 carries a suitable power unit 83 which is operatively connected to the adzing tool 22 by a drive shaft 84. The power unit 83 may also be employed to supply fluid under pressure to the motors 49 for propelling the auxiliary frames 41, as described hereinabove. Also, a suitable operators platform 86 is mounted on the main frame 12 whereby the operator is in clear view of the operating parts of the apparatus.

From the foregoing desription, the operation of our improved apparatus will be understood. With the apparatus in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the double flanged wheel 69 guides the forwardmost auxiliary frame 41 as it moves parallel to the rail 11. The adzing tool 22 is lowered to working position by introducing fluid under pressure into the cylinder 34 whereby the piston rod 37 is extended to lower the main frame 12 relative to the auxiliary frame 41. It will be understood that during operation of the adzing tool 22, the end of the main frame 12 carrying the adzing tool 22 is supported entirely by the auxiliary frames 41. To remove the apparatus from the railroad track, the main frame 12 is lifted relative to the auxiliary frames 41 by retracting the piston rod 37 to thus position an opening 79 in the vertical support member 78 in alignment with the opening 81 in brackets 77. The support member 78 is then locked in position by inserting the pin 82 to thus support the adjacent end of the main frame '12. The auxiliary frames 41 are then elevated relative to the main frame 12 by extending the piston rod 37 to thus move the outer ends of the arms 26 and 27 upwardly. Upon clearing the crossties 10, the transverse frame 68 and the brace 74 are removed whereby the auxiliary frames 41 may then be moved inwardly alongside the main frame 12 to the position shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the connector 76 is in position to engage the connector 72 whereby the auxiliary frames 41 are detachably connected to the bracket 73 carried by the main frame 12.

With the auxiliary frames 41 moved inwardly to the position shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary frames 41 are lowered relative to the main frame 12 into engagement with the raliroad track. The vertical support member 78 is then moved to its uppermost position whereby the entire main frame 12 is supported by the auxiliary frames 41. The apparatus is then moved off the railroad track or onto the railroad track, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

To transport the apparatus along a pair of rails 12, the apparatus is moved onto the track, as shown in FIG. 4 and the wheels 13 and 16 are moved to their lowermost positions whereby they engage the rails 11. In this position the main frame 12 and the auxiliary frames 41 are all supported by the supporting wheels 13 and 16. Power is imparted to one of the wheels 13 whereby the apparatus is propelled along the rails 11 to thus transport the apparatus from place to place.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that we have devised, improved setoff apparatus for a rail supported vehicle. By providing auxiliary frames which support the tool carrying end of the main frame during operation of the working tool and which supports the entire apparatus for movement transversely of the rails, the apparatus is very compact and versatile in use. Also, by providing elongated, endless crawler tracks which are adapted to engage a plurality of crossties 10, together with the floating pantograph suspension of the working tool, there is a minimum vertical movement of the work tool where the supporting tracks engage irregular surfaces as it moves along the railroad track. Also, by providing the double flanged wheel which is connected to the forwardmost auxiliary frame, the forwardmost crawler track is guided as it moves along and parallel to the rail 11. Furthermore, by providing the floating pantograph suspension of the main frame and fluid pressure means for adjusting the working depth of the tool 22, the elevation of the working tool may be adjusted while working.

What we claim is:

1. In setoff apparatus for a rail supported vehicle having a main frame supported by wheels for longitudinal movement along a pair of rails of a railroad track, the improvement which comprises:

(a) elongated auxiliary frames mounted at opposite sides of the main frame with each auxiliary frame being of a length to span both rails of the railroad track and adapted for pivotal movement selectively to a first position alongside the main frame and transversely over both rails of the railroad track and to a second position outwardly of the main frame and longitudinally of the railroad track,

(b) actuating means operatively connecting said auxiliary frames to the main frame and disposed to move said auxiliary frames and said main frame to selected vertical positions relative to each other so that the main frame supports Said auxiliary frames upon movement of said actuating means in one direction and said auxiliary frames support at least a portion of the main frame upon movement of said actuating means in another direction, and

(c) movable supports for said auxiliary frames disposed to move said auxiliary frames and said main frame transversely of the railroad track while said auxiliary frames are in said first position and said actuating means is moved in said another direction and disposed to move said auxiliary frames and said main frame longitudinally of the railroad track while said auxiliary frames are in said second position and said actuating means is moved in said another direction.

2. In setoff apparatus for a ralroad supported vehicle as defined in claim 1 in which the actuating means com- USES: p (a) a pair of vertically spaced parallel links extending outwardly from a side of said main frame,

(b) means pivotally connecting the inner ends of said links to the side of said main frame,

(c) means pivotally connecting the outer ends of said links to said auxiliary frame, and

(d) power actuated means operatively connected to and disposed to move said links about their pivotal connections to said main frame to vary the relative vertical positions of said auxiliary frame and said main frame relative to each other.

3. In setoff apparatus for a railroad rail supported vehicle as defined in claim 2 in which the power actuated means comprises a fluid pressure operated cylinder.

4. In setoff apparatus for a railroad rail supported vehicle as defined in claim 1 in which the auxiliary frames are in longitudinal alignment with each other and the supporting wheels for one end of said main frame while said auxiliary frames are in said second position, and said supporting wheels for said one end of the main frame are retractable so that said one end of the main frame is movable to selected vertical positions independently of said supporting wheels upon movement of said actuating means in said another direction.

5. In setoff apparatus for a railroad rail supported vehicle as defined in claim 4 in which a vertically adjustable support member is carried by said one end of the main frame to support said one end while said support wheels for said one end are retracted and said actuating means is moved in said one direction to support the auxiliary frames from the main frame.

6. In setolf apparatus for a railroad rail supported vehicle as defined in claim 4 in which at least one adzing tool is carried by said one end of the main frame between and in longitudinal alignment with said auxiliary frames for adzing the crossties of a railroad track after one of the rails has been removed.

7. In setofr" apparatus for a railroad rail supported vehicle as defined in claim 6 in which one end of a transverse frame is connected to a forward portion of the forwardmost auxiliary frame, as viewed in the direction of travel, and a double flanged guide wheel is connected to the other end of said transverse frame in position to ride along the rail which has not been removed.

8. In setolf apparatus for a railroad rail supported vehicle as defined in claim 1 in which the movable supports for said auxiliary frames are crawler type supports of a length to span a plurality of crossties.

9. In setotf apparatus for a railroad rail supported vehicle as defined in claim 8 in which each crawler type support comprises:

(a) at least one pair of bogies supported for independent movement relatives to each other, and

(b) an endless, flexible crawler track surrounding said bogies.

10. In setotf apparatus for a railroad rail supported vehicle as defined in claim 9 in which a releasable connector is provided between the bogies for each auxiliary frame so that the bogies may be detachably connected to each other.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,035,529 5/ 1962 Stewart -l77 3,312,544 4/ 1967 McCready l05-177 ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner. D. F. WORTH III, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

